When Srinath burst onto the scene, he was the fastest Indian bowler. He made his international debut in 1991. He played 67 Tests and 229 ODIs. Now, he is an ICC match referee.

During his career, he took 236 Test and 315 ODI wickets. He was part of the famous Test against Pakistan where Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings. Srinath deliberately bowled wides so that Kumble could claim "Perfect 10".

After retirement, he continued to serve the game through commentary, writing newspaper columns and also was secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

The official Twitter account of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wished Srinath a happy birthday. “The Mysore Express turns 50 today! A successful Match Referee today, here’s wishing our former fast bowler Javagal Srinath, a very happy birthday,” it wrote on Saturday.

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote, "A fierce competitor, a good friend and a superb bowler with whom I played for many many years. Wishing you a very happy birthday, Javagal Srinath. Have a blessed year ahead."

Former India left-arm spinner and Srinath’s team-mate Sunil Joshi wrote, “Javagal Srinath, the name itself brings back so many memories right from Karnataka Ranji to test cricket! Tall and lanky bowler, who was feared by most of the batsman across the world for genuine pace and bounce. He still holds the record for quickest bowl bowled by an Indian!”.

In another tweet, he wrote, “Popularly known as “Mysuru Express” turns 50 years today. Happy birthday, Srinath!” Joshi described Srinath as “gentle giant”. He also tweeted old pictures of himself with Srinath, Kumble, and former India paceman Venkatesh Prasad, all from Karnataka.

HappyBirthday to one of Ind's best ever pace bowlers, Javagal Srinath.
His 8/86 v Pak @ Kol, 6/21 v SA @ Ahmd are memorable.
Started off as an out-&-out pacer, added many skills (cutters, change of pace etc. to his armoury later).
In a sense, kept pace bowling alive in India. 💖 pic.twitter.com/O8iuYuvRlY